Ceresi and All-Starz set for Friday performance at Elks Lodge

Excitement is ringing throughout the Tri-County Elks Lodge No. 14 at 1915 West Shore Road. That’s because Roger Ceresi, who played there on March 9, is returning and is again expected to transform the spacious two-floor non-profit fraternal organization into the West Shore Showplace.

“When Roger was here in March, the place was rocking,” said Peter G. Dodge, Lodge No. 14’s House Committee chairman. “Everyone from our Exalted Ruler [Donna Warner] to our bartenders like Doreen and Karen are excited that Roger is coming back.”

Ceresi, who is a Warwick resident, will bring his All-Starz and All-Starz Horns to the Tri-County Elks Lodge this Friday, Aug. 17, for a special show that will begin at 8:30 and run until 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door Friday.

Dodge, who is a manufacturer’s representative for PGD Enterprises, Inc., said yesterday that people can call Lodge No. 14 at 737-9510 or Ceresi at 465-8432. Dodge also announced that Tri-County’s kitchen will open at 7 Friday night and a full service bar will be available throughout the performance.

“If you’ve never heard Roger Ceresi’s All-Starz and All-Starz Horns, don’t miss this rare opportunity on Friday night,” said Joe Martini, a member of the Elks and noted disc jockey. “This is a multi-talented group of [eight] musicians who offer an unusual sound of rhythm and blues and I guarantee that there won’t be many people sitting down Friday evening.”

Martini was referring to Ceresi’s recent appearance at WaterFire, during which he created such a high-energy mood that people on the portable dance floor at TD Bank Plaza in Downtown Providence were elbow-to-elbow but still having lots and lots of fun.

Yet another example of Ceresi and the All-Starz popularity surfaced last Thursday evening at Narragansett’s famed Towers, where music and dancing are offered every week during the summer months.

“There weren’t many people sitting on the sidelines,” said Shirley Champlin, a long-time Narragansett resident. “When this group plays here, the Towers are alive!”

Ceresi and the All-Starz also treat their audiences – and legions of dedicated followers – to such sounds of Louis Prima, Elvis, Chuck Berry, Percy Mayfield and B.B. King during their popular “Tribute to the Greatest Music Legends of the 1950s and ’60s.”

“Roger Ceresi’s All-Starz and All-Starz Horns are special,” said Richard “Dick” Bartlett, a Warwick resident who follows the eight-piece ensemble. “If you like the sounds of brass, Roger’s group has it. If you like keyboard sounds, Roger has that too.”

Ceresi said he’s excited about coming home and playing at the Tri-County Elks Lodge No. 14, which he turned into a one-night super showplace back in March.

So on Friday evening, Roger Ceresi’s All-Starz and All-Starz Horns will fill the Tri-County Elks Lodge No. 14 with their special sounds. While Ceresi offers his non-stop special singing and leads the group, Rob Nelson plays guitar, Papa Dick Souza is on the upright bass and electric bass and Joey Sullivan is the drummer.

The All-Starz Horns are Carl Queforth on trombone, John Abrahamsen on trumpet and Barry Fleischer on saxophone.

It’s easy to see why people at the Tri-County Elks Lodge No. 14 – and those that follow Ceresi’s group – are excited about Friday evening’s 8:30 show.

And, as Martini noted the other night: “This is no ordinary musical group. They’ve performed at impressive venues all over the country. For me personally, I’m excited their coming home to Warwick; I won’t have far to drive to enjoy a great night of singing, music, dancing and fun!”